Silverbacks Exercise 2015 Contract Options on Six Players

December 5, 2014 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
Atlanta Silverbacks News Release


Atlanta, Georgia (December 5, 2014) - The Atlanta Silverbacks announced today that the club has exercised the 2015 contract options on six players from the 2014 roster: forward Jaime Chavez, attacking midfielders Kwadwo Poku and Pablo Cruz, wingers Alex Harlley and Ferrety Sousa, and defender Edgar Espinoza.

The team also announced it has declined the options on defenders Ryan Roushandel, Ramiro Canovas, Mitch Garcia, and Abdul Bangura, midfielders Lucas Paulini, Janny Rivera, and Borfor Carr, goalkeeper Eric Ati, and forward Deon McCaulay.

"While we continue our search for our head coach, we had to make decisions on contracted players with regard to their options for next year. We're excited to have these six young and dynamic players be the core of our team in 2015," said Silverbacks President and General Manager Andy Smith. "As for the players who's options we passed on and those that were already free agents, it will be the coach's decision on which ones we will re-enter into negotiations with."

Chavez, 27, scored 12 goals in all competitions in his first year in the NASL last season. He led the team with 31 total appearances, scoring nine goals in 27 league matches and three goals in four U.S. Open Cup games.

Cruz, 22, scored four goals and added four assists in 22 league games in his third season with the club. He has started 30 of the 52 NASL games he has appeared since joining the team in July 2012.

Poku, 22, appeared in 25 NASL matches in his first year, finishing second on the team. The Ghanaian scored twice in league play and added a goal in two Open Cup matches.

Harlley, 22, started seven of the 17 matches he appeared in during his first season. He was also one of six players to appear in all four U.S. Open Cup matches. The speedy Togo-native played primarily on the wings.

Sousa, 23, joined the Silverbacks in 2013 but did not make his debut until 2014, where he appeared in nine matches in midfield and on the back line.

Espinoza, 25, started all 15 of the matches he played in during his first year. Primarily a center back, Espinoza showed his versatility by also playing right back

In addition to players mentioned above, the following players from the 2014 roster are free agents: Blair Gavin, Mike Randolph, Junior Burgos, Junior Sandoval, Shaka Bangura, Brandon Poltronieri, Thomas Hunter, Kellen Gulley, and Jesus Gonzalez.

Season Tickets are on sale now, with Early Bird pricing available until December 17.



North American Soccer League Stories from December 5, 2014


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